At a time of unprecedented challenges facing society, we need to develop strategies and tools for collective intelligence that effectively engage diverse perspectives to co-create better, more inclusive, and more sustainable outcomes. The Protolab research group creates and evaluates novel social technologies to investigate underlying mechanisms impacting how different collectives — from teams, to local communities, to online crowds — address complex problems creatively and collaboratively. We investigate the foundations of collective intelligence, creativity, feedback exchange, and decision making through a mixed methods approach: We observe how groups appropriate technology to serve their goals. We computationally model creative collaborative processes. We design and test novel social computing systems — leveraging LLMs, crowdsourcing, visualization, and ubiquitous devices — to explore opportunities to support how people co-design and solve problems together. Ultimately, our research seeks to deepen our understanding of creativity, to improve design practice for individuals and teams, to teach design more effectively to larger audiences, and to help communities solve local thorny issues.
Opportunities
Prospective PhD students should apply either to the Cognitive Science PhD program or the Computer Science and Engineering program at UC San Diego. If you would like to work with Prof. Dow, make sure to mention him in your application. Current UCSD grad students: feel free to reach out to Prof. Dow anytime.
ProtoLab sometimes has positions available for developers, visual designers, research assistants, and copy editors. We appreciate candidates that have a broad background in areas such as design, computer science, HCI, communication, visual arts, sociology, history, political science, environmental policy, and gender studies. Collaborators will gain the opportunity to work with expert HCI researchers and to creatively influence the direction of the research. Former student collaborators have earned spots in top graduate programs and have co-authored full research papers accepted to top-tier HCI conferences. Research positions can either be for credit (e.g., COGS 199) or for hourly pay (depending on available funding).
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Developers
Our lab currently seeks a developer with full stack development skills, including experience with front-end development (Javascript, React framework, Gatsby CMS, Responsive and Adaptive Design) and back-end development (Node.js, Express web framework, Database Systems, REST API). The ideal candidate would be someone who can work independently to develop research software, as well as, aid in setting up and debugging issues across multiple other projects. Candidates should submit a resume and a link to their personal GitHub repository in order to show examples of work that go beyond just class projects.
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Visual Designer
Our lab currently seeks a visual designer to create graphics, UI designs, and branding materials for a variety of small projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong visual aesthetic, and experience creating marketing materials—including posters, splash pages, and videos—with tools like Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, After Effects, and Premiere Pro. Candidates should submit a resume and a link to an online portfolio that illustrate your experience with visual media.
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Civic Researchers
Our lab currently seeks individuals to conduct independent research on various civic challenges in the San Diego region as part of the “Design for San Diego” (D4SD.org) initiative. Individuals in this role will be responsible for conducting online research, gathering resources, interviewing local civic leaders, and writing problem briefs. Candidates should submit a resume and a link to a portfolio that illustrates your experience with research and writing. Prior experience working with the people in a community to learn about their experience of a civic issue is preferred, though not necessary.
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Copy Editors
Our lab currently seeks writers and editors to help with various tasks that are part of the “Design for San Diego” (D4SD.org) initiative. The ideal candidate would be able to work independently to write and edit copy for the website and to monitor a discussion forum in order to provide community support. Candidates should submit a resume and a link to independent writing samples that illustrate your writing experience and style.
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Data Scientists
Our lab currently seeks a data scientist to analyze discussion data and the content of the ideas. An ideal candidate will have experience with one or more of the following topics: inferential statistics, text-mining, network analysis, and time-series data. Candidates should submit their resume, their Github profile, and a description of why their skills and perspective make them a strong addition to the team.
Undergrad research positions are closed right now. Check back in Fall 2024 for potential opportunities.